Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 693

On my way to the breakroom, I casually asked a few coworkers, "Mr. Shane didn't come in today?"

They exchanged looks, barely holding back laughter. It only made me more curious. "What's the deal? Something happen to him?"

"He got scratched up!" one finally blurted.

"His girlfriend probably did it," someone else chimed in.

"Who knew she had claws like that?"

"Yeah, well, he was at a nightclub. Honestly, if I were her, I'd scratch him up too."

The chatter snowballed from there, painting a pretty clear picture: Ron wasn't in because he had a visible scratch on his face and was too embarrassed to show up.

When I got back to my desk, I couldn't resist giving him a call. Not to poke fun-just, you know, check in. After all, he'd always been nice to me.

The moment he picked up, Ron didn't even give me a chance to say hi. "Don't listen to the nonsense those gossiping hens at the office are saying. None of it's true."

barks first. I played dumb. "Huh?

11

was a pause. "Wait, didn't you go to

cool. "Been slammed with work. Haven't had time for small talk. Why? Something happen?" "Ugh, don't even get me started..." And just like that, he launched into a dramatic retelling of the exact story the office had already spilled. By the end, he dropped the ultimate punchline: "You know what

hanging over my mood. I couldn't resist

back, laughing. "But only

jolt, but Ron didn't mean anything by it-it was just the guy's charm setting unreal

it must've clicked for him what he'd

did you go to?" I cut

hesitation. Then he stopped, like he'd

guessed he'd

basically a networking spot for rich people. Isn't it where the Seavora

home late? I don't

He really just offended every woman on

calmed down after... you know, scratching you?" I asked, trying to keep the laugh

on erin bad mad?ch, do